Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has decided to maintain his strict tactical policy by excluding Ali Al-Bulaihi and Mohammed Al-Qahtani from the squad for the upcoming match against Damac FC. This highly anticipated encounter is part of the 13th round of the Saudi Professional League and will be held at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's new home ground.
Details of the technical decision and the continued absence
The exclusion of Al-Bulaihi and Al-Qahtani from the Italian coach's plans was not a coincidence or due to sudden injuries, but rather a purely technical decision for the fourth consecutive time across all competitions recently. This decision reflects Inzaghi's desire to solidify a specific lineup that serves his current tactical vision, as he prefers to rely on certain players who have proven their readiness in training and previous matches.
The coaching staff currently relies on a defensive system led by Hassan Tambakti, along with Youssef Akchichik and Ali Lajami. The coach believes that this trio provides the defensive solidity and flexibility required to build attacks from the back, which is what he seeks to implement against a stubborn opponent like Damac.
The importance of the match and the context of the competition in the Roshan League
This match is of particular importance given its position in the league schedule, as Al-Hilal seeks to continue its winning streak and strengthen its position in the standings. The match against Damac will be a true test of the team's ability to maintain its upward trajectory, especially as the Saudi league is witnessing significant development and fierce competition that demands complete focus and the avoidance of dropping any points, particularly in home matches played in front of their fans.
The Kingdom Arena stadium is an additional factor in Al-Hilal's strength, as its modern facilities and excellent pitch provide an ideal environment for implementing the fast-paced style of play preferred by the coach, in addition to the expected large fan support that gives the players a great morale boost.
Recent results and morale
Al-Hilal enters the match with high morale after their well-deserved 3-1 victory over Al-Kholoud in their last outing, a match played in Buraidah. This win provided a positive indication of the team's attacking prowess, something Inzaghi hopes to replicate against Damac, while maintaining the defensive balance that necessitated retaining the current squad and excluding other players based on tactical decisions.
